[The Confederate Cruiser Florida]

The Illustrated London News,
vol. 44,
no. 1241,
p. 70.

January 23, 1864

The Confederate cruiser Florida is said to have completed her
repairs and alterations at Brest, and to be ready to put to sea. Her
recent trial-trip was most satisfactory, and she is reported to be in
a high state of efficiency. Captain Maurice Richard, her new
commander, has waited on the Vice-Admiral of the port and other local
authorities to take official leave of them, and no doubt the Florida
will sail shortly. The Kearsage, Federal frigate, still mounts guard
outside the port of Brest, and a fight is looked forward to with
considerable certainty. Captain Richard expresses himself confident of
being able to give a good account of himself and his ship, and has, it
is stated, written to the Federal commander that he is prepared to
accept a combat with him outside the limits of French
waters.